Brittany · Morbihan, France

Château de Suscinio

The Dukes of Brittany's seaside retreat on the Rhuys peninsula — a moated castle a few dunes from the Atlantic, built for hunting, feasting and salt-marsh air rather than war. Restored from a roofless shell by the Morbihan department, famous for its rediscovered medieval glazed floor tiles.

At a glance

Built: 13th–15th centuries
Style: Ducal residence by the ocean
Commissioned by: Dukes of Brittany
Signature feature: Moated ducal castle a short walk from the ocean
Purpose: Pleasure and hunting residence of the Dukes of Brittany
The tiles: Spectacular 13th–14th c. glazed pavement excavated from the chapel
Rescue: Bought as a ruin by the Morbihan department in 1965 and restored
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round